In recent years, with the rapid development of renewable energy and the advancement of smart grid technology, virtual power plant (VVP), as a new energy management model, is gradually changing the way residents consume energy. By integrating distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar panels, energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and smart home appliances, virtual power plants not only improve the flexibility and stability of the power system, but also provide residents with more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Staggered electricity consumption and revenue acquisition
At the heart of a virtual power plant is the use of advanced information technology and smart meters to monitor the electricity consumption of households in real time and to invite residents to reduce or adjust the use of energy-intensive equipment during peak grid hours. For example, during peak summer electricity use, residents can respond to grid demand by reducing the use of air conditioners or adjusting the working hours of water heaters. This flexible demand-side management not only relieves pressure on the grid, but also allows residents to reap financial rewards from it. According to relevant data, households participating in the virtual power plant program can save between 10% and 20% of their electricity bills every month.
Improve the utilization rate of new energy
Virtual power plants can also improve the utilization rate of new energy by optimizing scheduling strategies. When the wind is strong or the sun is shining, the virtual power plant can guide residents to increase their electricity consumption or store excess electricity; When the new energy generation is insufficient, the stored electricity is used to meet the demand. This approach not only reduces curtailment of wind and solar power, but also significantly improves the overall utilization rate of renewable energy. According to statistics, the application of virtual power plants has increased the consumption rate of new energy by more than 15% in some areas.
Figure:Virtual Power Plant Reshape the Consumption Mode
Reduce the cost of social energy
Traditionally, in order to cope with short-term peaks in demand, additional power generation capacity and supporting grid facilities have been built, which has led to high costs. Virtual power plants, on the other hand, balance supply and demand by adjusting the demand on the user side, reducing the need for new infrastructure, thereby reducing the energy cost of the whole society. In addition, the auxiliary services provided by the virtual power plant, such as frequency modulation and backup, also help maintain the stability of the power system and further reduce operating costs.
Enhance the stability and reliability of the power system
The virtual power plant can quickly respond to grid dispatching instructions and provide auxiliary services such as frequency modulation and backup to help maintain the stability of the power system. This is particularly important to deal with fluctuations caused by intermittent renewables. For example, in the case of large fluctuations in wind and photovoltaic power generation, virtual power plants can quickly adjust the load to ensure the continuity and reliability of the power supply.
Promote low-carbon lifestyles
By participating in the Virtual Power Plant Program, residents can more intuitively feel the environmental impact of their electricity consumption behavior and take action to reduce their carbon footprint. This interaction not only raises public awareness of environmental protection, but also promotes the transformation of society as a whole to a low-carbon lifestyle. Many communities have begun to promote virtual power plant projects, encouraging residents to participate in energy conservation and emission reduction activities to build a green home together.
Intelligent management
With the gradual intellectualization of household appliances, virtual power plants can achieve centralized management and optimal control of these equipment, making energy use more efficient and reasonable. At the same time, it provides users with a transparent and convenient way to view and manage their energy consumption. Through the mobile app, residents can know the energy consumption status of their home anytime and anywhere and make adjustments as needed.
In short, the virtual power plant integrates the originally isolated distributed energy resources through innovative technical means and business models to form a virtual large-scale power plant, thereby changing the traditional energy consumption model and promoting the flexibility and sustainability of energy use. For residents, this means a smarter, more personalized, and cost-effective energy consumption experience. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the joint efforts of all sectors of society, virtual power plants will play an increasingly important role in promoting energy transition and achieving carbon neutrality.
